Liquid-fillable heavy training bag

ABSTRACT

A liquid-fillable heavy training bag includes a cylindrical flexible outer shell having top and bottom walls to form a generally closed cylindrical inner surface. Suitable support is provided for suspending the cylindrical outer shell from an upper support member, such as a ceiling. A generally cylindrical liquid-impermeable flexible liner is provided within the outer shell for receiving and containing a liquid medium such as water. The liner is configured and dimensioned to generally conform to the shape of the inner surface of the outer shell when the liner is fully expanded, such as when filled with water. An intermediate layer is provided made of compressible material and arranged between and contacting the outer shell and the liner when the liner is filled with liquid. The intermediate layer forms a cushion for absorbing external impacts to the outer shell and absorbs and attenuates shock waves imparted to the liquid medium within the liner to protect the liner and better simulate the feel of a conventional, non-liquid filled heavy bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to heavy training bags and, morespecifically, to a liquid-fillable heavy training bag.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Heavy training bags, sometimes referred to as simply heavy bags ortraining bags, have been used for many years. These types of bags, alsocommonly called punching bags, are generally sturdy bags designed to berepeatedly punched or kicked for use for exercise or physical training.Such heavy training bags are typically used to improve one or more ofthe following: physical strength, cardiac fitness, punching techniquesor martial arts skills.

While some punching bags may be designed to look at least abstractlyrealistic as an opponent and assume the human or partial human form,such bags are typically in the form of an elongate cylindrical outershell and suspended from a chain or other attachment means to secure theheavy bag in a vertical or upright position suspended from an uppersupport. Such bags can be, for example, 32″-45″ long, approximately 14″wide and typically weigh 70-100 pounds. Many of these bags are stuffedwith a specially blended filler material to absorb punches or kickswithout excessive lateral movements as it is intended that these bagsprovide resilient shock absorbency to somewhat stimulate the shockabsorbing properties of an opponent. Depending on the intended feel ofthe bag, the outer cover may be stuffed with different filler materials.In some cases, dual bag shock absorption systems are provided byincluding a foam layer or lining in addition to the filler material.

A disadvantage of conventional heavy or training bags is that they areheavy when filled with filler material and are bulky. Most such bags arein their fully expanded conditions, that they assume during use, so thata purchaser can simply remove the bag from the box or other packaging,hang up the bag and start using it. However, while this is convenientfor the end user, these bags are heavy and expensive to ship, display,store by retailers and all of these issues increase the cost of theitem. One approach that has been proposed to eliminate at least some ofthese problems is to provide a heavy or training bag that is initiallyin a collapsed form that can be expanded by the ultimate purchaser oruser prior to use. One common design is to provide a bag that has all ofthe common dimensions of conventional bags but has an inside liner orbladder that can be filled with water or other fluid. The water orliquid is sufficiently heavy so that when the bag is filled up it hasthe weight and shock absorbent properties that simulate those ofconventional fiber-filled bags. These bags have the advantage that theycan be shipped and stored in a collapsed form and can also be emptied ofthe water or fluid when the bag is not to be used for an extended periodof time to facilitate storage of the bag. While many liquid filled bagshave been proposed, many suffer a number of disadvantages. Onedisadvantage is that the punches or kicks applied to the bag providesubstantial shock waves within the water or liquid and these, especiallyover time, can have the effect of weakening and ultimately breaking theliner or bladder. This is especially true when the liner or bladder isheld in place within a confined space and there is no real area forexpansion as a result of punching or kicking actions on the bag. Thewater or liquid, in such cases, will tend to be displaced in the path ofleast resistance. This, frequently, is the position in which a closureis provided through which water or liquid can be introduced. If suchclosure is damaged the bag becomes essentially useless because punchesor kicks to the bag will simply cause the water or liquid to be expelledthrough the damaged closure. Therefore, while water or liquid filledbags have solved some problems they have raised others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a heavytraining bag that does not have the disadvantages of prior art of knownheavy training bags.

It is another object of the invention to provide a heavy training bagwhich is simple in construction and economical to manufacture.

It is still another object of the invention to provide heavy trainingbag of the type on the discussion that can be shipped and stored in afully collapsed state and expanded to a suitable form once filled withwater or another fluid.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a heavy trainingbag as in the previous objects that protects the internal liner filledwith water or fluid to accommodate the shocks transmitted through thewater or fluid without damaging the liner over extended use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a heavy training bagas in the previous objects that provides the look and feel of aconventional heavy training bag.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a heavytraining bag as in the last object that can be shipped disassembled butcan be conveniently and quickly assembled by an end user.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a heavy trainingbag of the type under discussion that significantly reduces the cost ofmanufacturing conventional heavy training bags without compromisingtheir characteristics or properties to the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various further objects, features and advantages of present inventionwill be more fully appreciated and the invention will be betterunderstood in light of the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heavy training bag in accordance withthe present invention, shown suspended from a support surface and readyfor use.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heavy training bag shown in FIG.1 taken along a longitudinal section line 2-2.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bag shown in FIG. 2, taken alonga transverse section along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a elevational view of a section of the interior surface of theheavy training bag, as viewed along the region 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section of the heavy training bagshown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now specifically to the figures, in which identical or similarparts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, andfirst referring to FIG. 1, a liquid-fillable heavy training bag inaccordance with the present invention is generally designated by thereference numeral 10.

As with conventional or heavy training bags, the bag 10 includes anouter tubular shell or cover 12 which has a bottom wall at a lower end12 a and a top wall at an upper end 12 b. The outer tubular cover 12 isa generally cylindrical flexible outer shell that may be made from anyone of a number of materials typically used for conventional bags. Thisincludes canvas, vinyl, leather or any other strong flexible sheetmaterial that can withstand repeated punches or kicks to the outersurface of the bag. The bag 10 may be made in virtually any sizecommonly used for conventional bags. The cover defines a generallyclosed cylindrical inner surface 12 c.

Although the outer tubular cover or shell is shown as a right circularcylinder giving circular upper and lower walls, it is possible toprovide the cover or shell 12 with different configurations, includingsquare, triangular, etc. cross-sections.

As with conventional heavy or training bags, a number of support straps14, typically 3 or 4, are secured to the upper end 12 b by means of anyattachment means, such as stitching 16 although other devices may beused to attach the straps such as rivets or other fasteners. Also, aswith conventional heavy bags, the support straps 14 may be formed asstrips folder over to create an outer portion 14 a and an inner portion14 b, both portions of which are secured to the outer tubular cover 12such as by stitching. This creates a through opening 18 in each of thesupport straps 14 for accommodating a portion of a loop, link or ring20. While a triangular link is shown in FIG. 1, it will be evident thatany shaped link may be used and such links are preferably made from arod the ends of which are welded to each other to form a closed link,ring or loop to prevent the link from opening after repeated stressesapplied during use of the bag.

In use, a ring 22 is secured to a support surface 24 in any conventionalmanner and chains 26 extending between each of the links 20 and ring 22support the bag 10. The bag is balanced when the support straps 14 aresubstantially uniformly spaced about the bag as shown. Any suitablemeans for securing the chains 26 to a support surface may be used. Thelinks of the chains 26 are also preferably welded so that they don'topen as a result of significant stresses applied when the bag is punchedor kicked.

At the upper end 12 b of the bag a rim 28 is shown which is a curved orcircular border or edge that extends about the periphery of the bag tocreate a recess 30 within which a top cover, wall or flap 32 is arrangedthat can be selectively and partially attached to the rim 28 or openedto provide access to the interior of the bag by means of a zipper 34.

Referring also to FIG. 2, a bottom wall 36 is provided that may be madeof the same material as the outer tubular cover 12 and may be secured tothe latter by any conventional means, such as stitching 38. As will beappreciated, the bottom wall 36 is, therefore, permanently attached tothe outer tubular cover 12, while the top cover or flap 32 isselectively attached to the outer tubular cover and may close the upperend in the region of the recess 30 to block access to the interior ofthe bag or to open the upper end 12 b to provide such access.

Inserted into the outer tubular cover 12 is a lower foam disc 40 whichhas a diameter substantially corresponding to the internal diameter ofthe outer tubular cover 12. In assembling the bag, the lower foam disc40 is initially inserted to the position shown in FIG. 2. Subsequently,an outer foam layer 42 is inserted that can either be a closed annularlayer or may be a rectangular sheet that is folded upon itself to bringthe opposing edges into abutment against each other when the outer layer42 is inserted within the outer tubular cover 12.

In the presently preferred embodiment, secured to the inner surface ofthe outer foam layer 42 is an inner foam layers formed of alternatinginner foam layers 44 and vertical hollow tubes 46. While not essential,the inner foam layers 44 and vertical hollow tubes 46 are preferablysecured to the interior surface of the outer foam layer 42 by means ofany suitable bonding agent 47, such as adhesive, mechanical bonding orthe like to facilitate assembly. By attaching the inner foam layers 44and vertical hollow tubes 46 in an alternating fashion and in a uniformmanner about the outer foam layer 42, as shown in FIG. 3, the user neednot handle a large number of inner foam layers and vertical hollow tubes42, 44 respectively and try to manipulate those and secure them in placeas shown while assembling the unit. Because the outer foam layer 42 aswell as the inner foam layers 44 and vertical hollow tubes 46 are allmade of a compressible foam material these layers and tubes can besignificantly compressed for purposes of shipment and storage.

The specific dimensions of the layers 44 and tubes 46 are not criticalbut the outer diameters of the tubes 46 should be approximately equal tothe radial thickness of layers 44 are in the range of 3-5 times thediameters of the tubes 46.

Once the inner foam layers 44 and vertical hollow tubes 46 are in place,as shown in FIG. 2, resting on the lower foam disc 40 as shown, a lineror bladder 48 is inserted through the upper end 12 b with the top coveror flap 32 un-zippered and opened. The diameter of the liner 48, in itsexpanded position, substantially corresponds to the inner diameter ofthe inner foam layers 44 and vertical hollow tubes 46 so that once theliner is filled with water it abuts against and presses on the innerlayers and tubes 44, 46, respectively, to urge the outer foam layer 42and outer tubular cover 12 radially outwardly to maintain the bag 10 inits desired overall configuration or shape shown on FIG. 1. The outerlayers 42 and the foam discs 40, 56 together form an outer layer of anintermediate layer of compressible material, while the inner foam layers44 and tubes 46 form an inner layer of compressible material of theintermediate layer.

The liner or bladder 48 includes a bottom wall 48 a, a top wall 48 b anda cylindrical side wall 48 c. At the top wall 48 b the liner ispreferably provided with a downwardly extending lip or flange 48 d asshown. In order to provide additional support and compensate for therelatively heavy weight of the liner, once filled with water or otherliquid, and to prevent sagging or downward bulging of the bottom wall36, there is preferably provided an additional support member or disc 50which may also be a foam layer whose diameter essentially corresponds tothe diameter of the radial dimensions of the liner 48 when filled withfluid or other liquid 52.

The top wall 48 b of the liner is provided with suitable closure 54 thatis shown to include a male member 54 b in the form of externallythreaded neck, secured to a suitable attachment extension 54 b which canbe sealed to the lip or flange 48 d by any suitable means such asadhesive, bonding or any other type of attachment which renders thejoint resistant to escape of water or other fluid within the liner. Afemale member 54 c in the form of an internally threaded cap may be usedto close and seal the liner after water or fluid 52 has been added andthe liner expanded as shown in FIG. 2.

Once the liner has been filled with water or fluid 52, an upper foamdisc 56 is preferably placed between the top wall 48 b and the top coveror flap 32 to render the bag firm and to protect the user from any sharpobjects all about the entire peripheral surface of the bag.

Referring to FIG. 4, an important feature of the invention is theprovision of inner foam layers 44 which are distributed between theouter foam layer 42 and the liner 48. In the presently preferredembodiment, the inner foam layers 44 include a series of verticallyspaced expanded sections 58 each of which includes a raised portion 58 aand recessed portion 58 b to give the expanded sections 58 theappearance of a “dog bone”. The expanded sections 58 are verticallyspaced from each other and connected by means of constricted sections 60that link the expanded sections together and are simply in the forms ofthin ribs. Clearances or gaps 62 are preferably provided between theexpanded sections 58 and in the vertical hollow tubes 46 to facilitateassembly. However, it will be appreciated that using a construction ofthe type described provides a plurality of vertically spaced cavities 64along the entire vertical height and interior surface of the liner orbladder 48. The specific shapes or configurations of the expanded andconstricted sections, 58, 60 is not critical for purposes of the presentinvention, as long as a plurality of cavities, of any suitable shapes,are provided essentially surrounding the entire side wall 48 c of theliner 48. In this manner, when the bag 10 is punched or kicked and thebag is significantly deformed at the place of impact, the water or otherliquid 52 within the bag can cause portions of the liner or bladder 48to deflect into the cavities 64 to compensate for any deformations ofthe bladder and displacement of the water within it. By allowing thebladder or liner 48 to at least partially expand into a plurality ofcavities there is a reduced risk for rupturing the bladder or liner 48or damaging the closure over an extended period of time. The advantagesof the inner foam layers 44, when used in conjunction with hollow tubesor other resilient longitudinally disposed members is that the liner ismaintained in its desired shape while providing continued support withthe added flexibility of allowing limited expansion of the liner asnoted.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by wayof illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding,it will, of course, be understood that various changes and modificationsmay be made in the form, details, and arrangements of the parts withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

1. Liquid-fillable heavy training bag comprising a generally cylindricalflexible outer shell having top and bottom walls to form a generallyclosed cylindrical inner surface; support means for suspending saidcylindrical outer shell from an upper support member; a generallycylindrical liquid-impermeable flexible liner for receiving andcontaining a liquid medium, said liner being configured and dimensionedto generally conform to the shape of said inner surface of said outershell when said liner is fully expanded; and an intermediate layer ofcompressible material provided between and contacting said outer shelland said liner when said liner is filled with liquid said intermediatelayer forming a cushion for absorbing external impacts to said outershell and absorbing, and attenuating shock waves imparted to a liquidmedium within said liner to protect said liner and better simulate thefeel of a conventional, non-liquid filled heavy bag.
 2. A training bagas defined in claim 1, wherein said liner is provided with a liquidinlet generally facing said top wall of said outer shell and closuremeans for selectively opening said inlet for introducing or removingliquid into or out of said liner, said top wall of said outer shellbeing at least partially removably connected to provide access to saidclosure means.
 3. A training bag as defined in claim 1, wherein saidintermediate layer includes a lateral annular shell conforming to saidouter shell and spaced generally flat members conforming to the shapesof and proximate to said top and bottom walls, whereby said intermediatelayer substantially surrounds and encloses said flexible liner.
 4. Atraining bag as defined in claim 1, wherein said flexible outer shell isconfigured as a right circular cylinder.
 5. A training bag as defined inclaim 1, further comprising additional support means provided betweenthe portion of said liner facing said bottom wall and the portion ofsaid intermediate layer contacting said bottom wall to fortify andstrengthen the lower end of the bag to sustain a liquid-filled liner andreduce bulging deformation of the heavy bag at the lower end thereof. 6.A training bag as defined in claim 2, wherein said inlet is movablebetween an upwardly extended position for filling or depleting liquidfrom said liner and a downwardly retracted position within a recesswithin said liner, to provide an upper substantially flat surface thatcan smoothly abut against that portion of said intermediate layerdisposed between said flat surface of said liner and said top wall.
 7. Atraining bag as defined in claim 1, wherein said intermediate layercomprises a lateral annular side wall comprising a first outer layer anda second inner layer.
 8. A training bag as defined in claim 7, whereinsaid outer and inner layers are joined to each other.
 9. A training bagas defined in claim 8, wherein said outer and inner layers are bonded toeach other.
 10. A training bag as defined in claim 7, wherein said outerlayer is made of a foam material.
 11. A training bag as defined in claim7, wherein said inner layer is made of a foam material.
 12. A trainingbag as defined in claim 7, wherein said outer layer is formed as acontinuous annular member.
 13. A training bag as defined in claim 7,wherein said inner layer is formed by generally elongate members spacedfrom each other and extending in directions generally parallel to avertical axis of said outer shell when suspended by said support means.14. A training bag as defined in claim 13, wherein said elongate membersare generally uniformly spaced from each other.
 15. A training bag asdefined in claim 13, wherein two differently configured elongate membersalternate along said outer shell.
 16. A training bag as defined in claim15, wherein one of said two members are in the form of vertical tubes.17. A training bag as defined in claim 15, wherein one of said twomembers are in the form of dog-bone shaped elements vertically spacedfrom one another along said vertical axis.
 18. A training bag as definedin claim 15, wherein one configuration comprises an elongate verticaltube and the other configuration comprising a plurality of a dog-boneshaped elements vertically spaced from each other along said verticalaxis.
 19. A training bag as defined in claim 18, wherein the widths ofsaid spaced elements are within the range of 3-5 times the diameters ofsaid tubes.
 20. A training bag as defined in claim 18, wherein theexternal diameters of said tubes are approximately equal to the radialthicknesses of said dog-bone shaped elements.